Power Systems Engineering

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Components used in earthing systems
• Components of protection systems, the concept of protection zones, asset specific protection scheme.
• The key factors involved in equipment specification and design
• Basic structure of different cables and lines

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Solve typical problems associated with load flow
• Design simple protection systems for transmission lines and transformers
• Comply with power system earthing practices

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Tackle multidisciplinary problems as encountered in real engineering systems

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Explain the reasons for system earthing and how it is designed
• Appreciate the conflicting nature of the design requirements of a protection system
• Discuss the principles and operation of FACTS and HVDC systems

Disciplinary Specific Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Use commercial software for power systems analysis

Load flows

• Simple radial and ring feeder load flow calculations; interconnected system load flow by nodal analysis; interactive solution of nodal admittance matrix by Gauss Siedel method, with discussion of other methods.

Protection

• Function of protection system, design criteria of protection systems, components of protection systems, zones of protection, protection schemes, primary and backup protection, transmission line protection, busbar protection, transformer protection, generator protection, protection of industrial power systems and fuse selection.

Earthing of Power Systems

• Reasons for system earthing, earthing resistance, arc suppression coil, earthing transformers, earthing of overhead lines; earthing electrode and soil resistivity, earthing of substations, earthing of low voltage systems.

Overhead Lines

• Transmission line parameters, effect of design parameters on performance, circuit ratings.

Underground Cables

• Types of cables, methods of laying, cable system design, electrical parameters, charging current, dielectric loss and heating, current ratings.

High Voltage Direct Current Transmission (HVDC)

• Advantages and disadvantages, types of HVDC links, reasons for use.

Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS)

• Definition, advantages and disadvantages, FACTS devices and their operational principles.

Smart grids, distributed generation and future power systems

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.